by William Young
as published in the Pickens County Progress
It’s writing contest time for students in Pickens County. The Sassafras Literary Exchange has set the beginning date for its Creative Contest for Youth for Monday, September 25th. The contest will end at the end of the school day on Friday, October 20th. All students who live in and are educated in Pickens County in grade levels 6 through 8 and 9 through 12 are eligible.
The three categories for entries are fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Fiction and nonfiction should be limited to a maximum of 1500 words and no more than 50 lines of poetry. This year, Sassafras is asking for a dual entry method. Paper copies of the entries should be turned in to the language arts teacher on or before the deadline. Arrangements will be made for pickup from home school and alternate education programs. Additionally, a digital copy should be sent to Sassafrasliterary.org. This website, designed by Vered Kleinberger, will not collect personal information. Each entry will be given an ID number that will be matched back to the paper copy.
A student may enter once into each of the three categories. In addition to a certificate and a plaque for first place winners, there will be cash prizes. For the high school division, First place will receive $75.00 with $50 for second and $25 for third. Middle school awards are$60, $40 and $20.
Some think that with each technological advance writing becomes less important, The opposite is true. Communication through the use of the written word is essential in an ordered society.
Sassafras would like to thank the Community Bank of Pickens County for their help is putting on this contest. A thank you also goes out to the language arts teachers who help promote the contest and to all the fine educators and staff who keep the education system running.